Israeli bombs are hitting refugee camps in Gaza, killing four children, as Israel claims it's ready to 'significantly expand' the assault. In all, the death toll in the bombardment has risen to at least 50 Palestinians since Wednesday. Hamas has been retaliating against the attacks with rocket fire, killing 3 Israelis over the same period. Its most recent strikes hit the south of Israel and also targeted Tel Aviv.

Israel has begun attacking targets in Gaza from the sea while continuing with its aerial bombardment of the coastal enclave.

Witnesses claim to have heard dozens of shells apparently fired from Israeli warships.

A media centre in Gaza City was hit injuring six journalists.

The coastal bombardment is a new development in Israeli tactics despite rumours of a possible ceasefire.

At least 49 Palestinians have died since Israel killed Hamas's military chief, on Wednesday.

In a pre dawn attack in the Jebalya refugee camp another child was reportedly killed.

In the West Bank city of Bethleham, Palestinians mounted a vigil and protest against the Israeli airstrikes against their brethren in the Gaza Strip.

Since the start of Israel's operation named Pillar of Defence it has launched more than 950 air strikes said to be aimed at weaponry and militant positions.

In the face of the onslaught, Hamas's military wing - al Qassam Brigades - published a video maintaining a defiant stance.

An estimated 500 rockets fired from Gaza have hit Israel, killing three people and injuring dozens. The Israeli military claim to have intercepted a further 245.

More video footage has been presented by the militants which is said to show the shooting down an Israeli drone.

The general message being that the Hamas militants are preparing for a long fight.

Israel has been bombing Palestinian militant targets in the Gaza Strip from the air and sea for a fifth straight day.

The Jewish state's military has widened its targets to include media operations in the territory. Two missiles hit the 15th floor of the building where the Hamas' Al-Aqsa TV is located.

Bombing has been intense in the border town of Rafah. The aim of the Israeli military has been to destroy tunnels which are believed to be used to smuggle weapons in to the territory.

Around 50 Palestinians including several children have been killed in Israeli raids since Wednesday. Many more have been injured.

Rockets have continued to land in Israel with the country's commercial centre, Tel Aviv, targeted once again. However, the missile interceptor system prevented the attack from causing major damage. The southern city of Ashkelon also came under attack with damage evident on the streets.

Three Israelis have been killed since the outbreak of the violence.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the Gaza operation will be expanded "significantly".

The Israeli military says its "Iron Dome" rocket-defense system has shot down an incoming projectile bound for Tel Aviv. Footage from AP shows a plume of smoke emanating from an Iron Dome battery followed by a flash as the rocket is intercepted. (Nov. 17)

At least five Israelis were slightly wounded in a rocket attack on the city of Ashdod on Saturday, according to a police spokesman. Following those attacks, the military deployed an Iron Dome rocket defence battery in central Israel on Saturday. (Nov. 17)